Given vets bill after my cat was in fight with another

[Toastandstrawberryjam]

Had one of my near neighbours turn up on my doorstep today brandishing a vets bill. Apparently my "big ferocious cat" attacked his in front of him and so he wants me to pay the vets bills.

My "big ferocious cat" is a soppy Burmese who I spend half my life taking to the vets as he has been beaten up by other cats. Apparently he isn't the instigator because of where the bites always occur (according to vets). I know this isn't the point but I have never considered tracking down pets owners and handing them a bill!

Anyhow, am I liable for this? It isn't a big amount (I'm used to paying more each time I have to take mine) but I don't know it was my cat and how the heck can I stop it happening again?

[FannyFifer]

Personally I would tell them to sod of.

[MackerelOfFact]

If you'd hit the cat with your car, you wouldn't be liable for the vet's bill, so I don't see why your cat (supposedly) attacking this other cat would make you liable.

He should have pet insurance or keep his cat indoors if he doesn't want to deal with the consequences of his cat being allowed to roam freely.

[Dinnaeknowshitfromclay]

No you are not liable. Cats are not owned in law, even the microchipped ones. Part of my day job.

[Notaddictedtosugar]

Me too. Cats fight. If the other person doesn't want to risk their cat getting in a fight then they should keep the cat in.

[ClaimedByMe]

I don't think legally you have to pay, I personally wouldn't pay, cats roam, cats fight, some cats are thick and get beat up by the same cats everytime I think that's just part of having cats. I have 3 cats btw I also have a dog who is insured to cover her attacking other dogs as that is different!

[buttercrumble]

Have they got proof , tell them to get knotted . It's one of the hazards of owning a cat they do fight sometimes . I would never dream of presenting my neighbours with a bill , they should have pet insurance

[Reincarnatedpig]

Send them a bill for the trauma caused to your cat?
Refuse to pay, say they are welcome to sue and suggest they have the foresight to take out pet insurance.

[Wolfiefan]

He witnessed the cat "attack"? So there is evidence?
Your other thread said this happened before Christmas? But they wait until now?
Offer a contribution? You are not liable but they sound furious. May calm things?

[SunnyRandall]

Aren't cats classed as "free spirits" or something legally? Just been looking at cat insurance and you don't need 3rd party cover for this reason unlike for dogs.

[EauRouge]

Cats are considered property under the law. Cats Protection have a useful leaflet about cats and the law.

I would tell him to jog on, he'd have to take you to small claims court to make you pay and if you've got the vet saying that your cat didn't instigate it then I don't see how this fella has a leg to stand on with no other witnesses.

[Toastandstrawberryjam]

Apparently I've always been out when he's called round to discuss it. Which is odd considering we have spent most of last 2 weeks in, but maybe he wasn't so keen on popping round when my DH was here??

So basically he's trying his luck? While I feel sorry for his cat being injured I don't want to be liable for every single bill his cat incurs.

I was thinking a polite note saying I've taken advice and won't be paying would be the best idea?

[Crazycat77]

I wouldn't be paying!

If he witnessed it like he said...how much of a vet bill did he stand by and watch unfolding in front of him without trying to stop it like using a good old basin of water???

Tell your neighbour politely to do one!!! My cat gets bullied by a local tom I can just imagine the reception I'd get if I asked her to cough up when her cat caused injury to mine resulting in a visit to the vet!...poor cat but what a dick of an owner! Perhaps he should've invested in an ornament or kept it indoors!

[Lozzie12]

I hope this has resolved, I took legal advice after a similar incident happened with a neighbour. She threatened to sue after my cat invited himself into her cat flap and she claims often attacks her cats. Mine is also attacked by others. The advice was the home owner is responsible for securing their property (i.e. cat flap) and owners can't be held responsible by law. I think all previous advice on here has been great. RSPCA were really helpful when I rang for advice.

[OneMoreThenNoMore]

Looks like you've had good advice here; I have two cats and both have been in scraps at different times. With our oldest cat, twice she nearly died had to have significant vets treatment. I wouldn't have dreamt of finding the owner of the other cat to demand that they pay for the treatment! Surely it's a risk we all take as cat owners- that sometimes they'll fight, and sometimes they'll come off worse than the other cat?

Also, if he witnessed it, didn't he try to break the fight up- loud noise, bucket of water etc?! Obviously you'd avoid physically intervening, but I've seen my cats scrapping and some banging and running towards them has been enough to break it up, even when they've been completely entangled... Thank goodness my scrap-loving cat is too old to get involved these days!

Tell him you won't pay. His cat's probably insured anyway...

[TheReluctantCountess]

I would laugh and close the door.

[msrisotto]

Tell him you gave the bill to your cat and he can take it up with him/her.